January 24 & 25, 2025

Albany Capital Center

Discover a world of flavor in our Grand Tastings, where over 100 food, wine, spirit, cider & beer vendors from across the Capital Region come together to showcase their best! Guests stroll through rooms filled with libations and delectable bites, exploring regional favorites, discovering exciting new treats, and connect with this year’s Rising Star Chefs! Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a fun day out, this event offers something for everyone. Check here frequently to see who has been added to our list of restaurants and wine & spirit vendors!   

And don’t miss our interactive food seminars! There will be two seminars each day during the Grand Tastings.  These exclusive events will be limited to no more than 50 guests, and will feature culinary trends, wine pairings & our first-ever speed bartending challenge!  

Make sure to visit the high-energy, Battle of the Bartenders and witness our maverick mixologists crafting cutting-edge cocktails.  Friday’s competition will feature cocktails by Amaro Montenegro and on Saturday Jack Daniel’s Bonded Whiskey will be the star of the show! All of this is set to the backdrop of mesmerizing pop-up artistic exhibitions that set the stage for a truly memorable event.  

For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets include a themed festival cocktail inspired by the elegance of the Amalfi Coast, exclusive gourmet creations by Signature Chefs, and a full-service bar in a relaxed, lounge-style setting. VIPs are also entered in a chance to win one of three exciting vacation getaways. These sell out quickly, so purchase your VIP tickets today!  

Presented by

National Bank of Coxsackie

Battle of the Bartenders

SEMINARS

FRIDAY- January 24, 2025


Sips & Shucks: An Oyster & Champagne Tasting

5pm

Indulge in the perfect pairing of freshly shucked oysters and elite champagne! This unforgettable, tantalizing tasting experience is brought to you by Ace Endico. It’s your chance to savor sophistication and learn about the art of pairing two of life’s finest pleasures!

Shake it Up: The Barker Cocktail Speed Challenge
6:30pm

Hosted by world renowned celebrity Nigel Barker, this seminar features an exclusive tasting of The Barker Company Espresso Martini. Nigel and his team will share their passion for crafting perfection in a bottle. Plus, don’t miss the excitement of our first ever Speed Shake Challenge, where the Capital District’s top bartenders will face off in a high-energy race to mix the best cocktail. Wrap up the experience with an intimate meet and greet with Nigel himself – an event you won’t want to miss.

SATURDAY January 25, 2025

Slices & Pints: NY Pizza & Brooklyn Beer
1pm 

Warm up this winter day with the ultimate pairing of New York’s Finest! Brooklyn Brewery and West Ave pizza are teaming up to bring you an unforgettable seminar featuring freshly made, New York style pizza paired perfectly with Brooklyn Brewery’s top beer selections. Discover the art of flavor pairing while indulging in two of the city’s greatest comforts-slices & pints!

Hattie’s Restaurants: “When A Restaurant Is More Than Just A Place To Dine”
2:30pm

Join Hattie’s Restaurant and renowned Chef Jasper for a delightful culinary experience pairing signature Southern cuisine with the rich flavors of Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Sip on perfectly crafted mint juleps, savor exceptional food and enjoy insights into the art of creating a memorable experience.  

Participating Brands & Restaurants